Arteta Hails a More Dependable Squad and Reveals Kai Havertz Injury Blow.

Arsenal's manager remains confident that his squad can persist in handling with injury setbacks after disclosing that attacker Kai Havertz is not ready for a few more weeks.

Extended Absence for Havertz

Havertz has been absent since August due to an operation on his knee. Initially expected to return at the start of this month, Arteta revealed the player encountered a problem when increasing his training and failed to reach “the required stage.”

“We took lessons, and managed to assemble a group that is far more dependable and has more options,” Arteta said.

Selection Dilemma for Brentford Clash

This development creates a dilemma for the midweek home game against Brentford. A decision is required between sticking with Mikel Merino, who scored playing out of position on Sunday, or reinstating Viktor Gyökeres, who came back off the bench in the latter stages. Long-term absentee Gabriel Jesus is also available following a lengthy absence.

Defensive Concerns Persist

Further fitness issues affect defender William Saliba and winger Leandro Trossard, who were absent for the Chelsea match. Therefore, new recruits Cristhian Mosquera and Piero Hincapié are likely to continue in central defence for the table-toppers.

Arteta believes the £250m spend on reinforcements during the summer has resulted in a much stronger position to handle such unavailability.

Squad Depth Vital for Premier League Pursuit

In response if increased squad depth was helping their championship push, the manager agreed. “Indeed, since the current term has been worse in some areas, and now the situation with the backline,” he added.

“Our previous experiences taught us that we have to use players in various roles, and they have to be able to perform various functions if we want to compete at the highest level. And the example of Mikel is probably the prime illustration.”

Arteta's Support for Suffering Star

Speaking about the complication noted by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, the manager gave further detail. “He was doing everything. He failed to advance to the next level and now it appears like we have unlocked that.”

The manager conveyed his personal desire to have him back. “We’re all desperate to have him. I mean, it’s a player that, in my view, I admire greatly for his contributions to the team, but his personality, his attitude. I observe his frustration being outside.”

“His availability record is phenomenal, he's rarely been injured, and I can’t wait to get him back with the squad on the pitch because I feel it’s going to be a significant uplift.”